Method and system for providing multiple credit lines

ABSTRACT

A method and system for applying for and providing an access device, whereby an applicant completes a multipurpose access device application that is reviewed under qualification processes established by multiple access device providers acting in cooperation with each other. Upon a positive result from the review, a linked account is established for the multiple access device providers, and a common access device is issued for the linked account with a single or multiple account numbers. The access device user can take advantage of joint incentive and rewards programs for the linked account that join the incentive and rewards programs of the multiple access device providers, and that accumulate rewards separately for each provider.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and system for providing multiple linked credit lines or debit accounts based on a single application, and for issuing a common access device for access to all linked accounts.

2. Background of the Technology

An access device for an electronic transaction refers to any card, plate, code, account number, electronic serial number, personal identification number, or other telecommunications service, equipment, or instrumental identifier, or other means of account access including, but not limited to smart cards, electronic tokens and Radio Frequency key-fobs, that can be used to obtain money, goods, services, or anything of value, or to initiate an electronic funds transfer. Lines of credit (referred to interchangeably herein as “credit”), and associated credit access devices (referred to interchangeably herein as “credit cards”) are available to credit applicants upon approval by the credit provider. Examples of credit cards include cards available through financial institutions on the VISA® network (registered and operated by VISA of San Francisco, Calif., USA) or MasterCard® network (registered and operated by MasterCard of Purchase, N.Y., USA) (collectively referred to herein as “general purpose credit networks”), and cards available through private businesses, for example, retail and department stores (e.g., Boscov's Department Stores). Debit accounts (interchangeably referred to herein as “debit”), and associated debit access devices (interchangeably referred to herein as “debit cards”), such as those available through financial lenders, e.g., banks, credit unions or other financial institutions (interchangeably referred to herein as “debit providers”), are available to debit applicants approved by the debit provider. Credit and debit are collectively referred to herein as “credit/debit” and credit providers and debit providers are collectively referred to as “credit/debit providers” or “access device providers.”

In order to obtain approval of an access device application, applicants must enter and satisfy a qualification process, including an approval process or an industry standard underwriting process and/or verification or validation of additional data, as set forth by access device providers or as generally required by access device providers in the industry. Typically, credit/debit applicants apply for a line of credit or a debit account by submitting personal and financial information to the credit/debit providers via credit/debit applications. Credit/debit applications are usually submitted to credit/debit providers via the telephone, mail, via a computer network, such as the World Wide Web or Internet, or in person, such as at a retailer's point of sale or a bank's branch location. The credit/debit providers then assess the application using predefined business-specific guidelines to determine whether the applicant qualifies for credit/debit, and if so, the extent of the line of credit or debit account. Upon an affirmative determination by the credit/debit provider, which may be reached virtually instantaneously in some cases, the credit/debit provider issues a credit/debit card to the applicant with a line of credit or debit account. Conversely, upon a negative determination, the credit/debit provider rejects the applicant and withholds the issuance of a credit/debit card. Typically, the qualifications for debit accounts are substantially different from the qualifications for lines of credit.

Once an application for an access device has been approved, the access device providers typically provide approved applicants with an access device associated with a respective account. In addition, access device providers usually provide approved applicants with incentives or rewards programs (e.g., cash back, discounted merchandise, frequent flyer miles, or proprietary credit) that accumulate through use of the access device.

Generally, an applicant completes a credit/debit application in order to attempt to qualify for one line of credit or one debit account (i.e., one access device). However, it is known in the art that a single application may be used to qualify an applicant for multiple credit lines or multiple debit accounts. Assessment of a single application based on multiple criteria, such as credit risk or solvency, for example, is generally known as a “multipurpose credit/debit application” or a “multipurpose access device application.” The multipurpose credit/debit application is used in the credit/debit industry, although this type of application is much less common than a single purpose application, and is referred to herein as the “multipurpose model.”

Under the multipurpose model, the credit/debit applicant fills out a single application that is subsequently processed through a series of credit (and, where applicable, debit) qualification options (also referred to herein as a “cascade” of qualifications or a “qualification process”). For instance, with respect to the credit application, the single application is first processed for credit qualification under a first credit qualification threshold (e.g., a Platinum Card) having an associated spending limit, wherein the applicant is assessed for a predetermined amount of credit. The process provides an ultimate resolution of whether the applicant has been approved for the amount of credit associated with the Platinum Card (i.e., whether the applicant meets the “underwriting threshold”). If the applicant fails to qualify for the Platinum Card, the single application is subsequently processed for credit qualification under a second credit underwriting threshold (e.g., a Gold Card), and accordingly, a resolution is reached with respect to that underwriting threshold. This process is repeated for a plurality of credit qualification options available, typically ending with processing of the application against the lowest credit underwriting threshold, often a standard credit card offered by a single issuer.

It is also known in the art that a single multipurpose credit/debit application may be used to process credit/debit qualifications for multiple credit/debit providers, each of which independently assesses the application to determine approval or rejection. Under this scenario, the credit/debit providers independently process the application and award credit lines or debit accounts without interacting with each other. Multiple credit/debit cards are thus issued from the same application. Furthermore, the credit/debit providers do not share profits, rewards programs, or the ability to interconnect linked accounts on the same credit card.

There remains an unmet need for a multipurpose access device application assessed by access device providers acting in cooperation with each other, which, if approved, would result in a single common multipurpose access device (referred to as a “dual purpose access device” where the number of access device providers is two), linking accounts from separate access device providers. Furthermore, there is an unmet need in the art for a multipurpose access device that links multiple accounts in one access device, while also linking the incentive/rewards programs offered by each access device provider into one access device.

Additionally, there is an unmeet need in the art for a system and method of use that allow a multipurpose access device application assessing credit/debit qualifications for applicants under guidelines provided by multiple access device providers. Specifically, there is an unmet need in the art for a credit/debit approval system to process a single application for approval of multiple credit lines or debit accounts provided by multiple credit/debit providers, operating in cooperation with each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a multipurpose access device application, available, for example, at the point of sale, which allows an applicant to apply for multiple access devices, each provided by a different access device provider, which may, for instance, be unaffiliated with one another, within a single application. One embodiment of the present invention provides a common multipurpose credit/debit card, wherein one credit/debit card accesses at least two credit/debit accounts. In one variation, at least one credit/debit account on the common credit/debit card is provided by a retail store, which also optimally provides the credit/debit application at the point of sale. In one embodiment of the present invention, if the credit/debit applicant meets the criteria of one credit/debit provider only (this typically occurs when only the retailer approves the credit/debit application), a credit/debit card will still be issued that is associated with a line of credit provided by the single approving credit/debit provider (e.g., the retailer). Thus, in this embodiment, the credit line provided by the retail store is applicable to purchases made within the retail store only. In another variation, upon approval by a second credit/debit provider, a linked credit/debit account is provided by each credit/debit provider, the second credit provider (e.g., a retailer) being linked, for example, to a general purpose credit network, such as VISA® or MasterCard®, or to a debit provider linked to a financial institution.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the common access device combines the rewards programs provided by each access device provider, wherein the consumer using the access device accumulates rewards, usable under each provider's rewards program, in any given use of the credit/debit card (e.g., whether used in the retail store or elsewhere).

Another embodiment of the present invention provides for associated rewards programs, i.e., rewards programs that accumulate rewards separately for each issuer of the common access device, which are developed jointly by all issuers.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing a single application to determine approval of credit/debit from multiple credit/debit providers. Thus, the application is reviewed under criteria provided by different credit/debit providers. For example, if the applicant is approved under the criteria provided by a first credit/debit provider, the method of the present invention provides for processing the single application a second time to determine approval from the second credit/debit provider. Alternatively, the application is processed a second time, regardless of whether the first process was approved. In one embodiment, the approval processes conducted under the criteria provided by the different credit/debit providers may be conducted concurrently, rather than sequentially. The approval process continues until the application assessment with respect to each credit/debit provider, or a predetermined number of credit/debit providers, is completed. One credit/debit card is issued incorporating the credit/debit terms and limits of each and every approved credit/debit provider.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, which disclose multiple embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will also become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 presents an exemplary system diagram of various hardware components and other features, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows various features of an example networked computer system, including various hardware components and other features for use in conjunction with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 presents an example flow diagram of functions performed for access device application and approval in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 presents an example flow diagram of functions performed for access device application and approval in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention specific to an exemplary retailer.

FIGS. 5A-F provide an exemplary retail credit agreement, for use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-C present an exemplary credit card term sheet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sample credit application, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a method and system for applying for and providing an access device, whereby an applicant completes a multipurpose access device application that is reviewed under qualification processes established by multiple access device providers. Upon a positive result from the review, the present invention provides for establishing a linked account for the access device providers.

Further, the present invention provides for establishing a single access device account if the multipurpose application is approved by only one access device provider.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides the credit/debit cardholder with the ease and simplicity of using a common credit/debit card linking the multiple credit/debit lines under a single account number or under multiple account numbers. The multipurpose credit/debit card features access to multiple credit lines and debit accounts with the convenience of one common credit/debit card.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides the credit/debit card user with the added benefit of a joint incentive program for the linked credit/debit account for which a common credit/debit card is issued, linking the incentive programs of the multiple credit/debit providers. As an example only, rewards earned using the card may be double counted or multiple counted (e.g., frequent flier miles earned by using a VISA® card through a retail purchase also translate into a proportional amount of store credit at the department store that is an additional credit/debit provider on the card).

The method and system of the present invention offer a number of additional benefits over the prior art. The multipurpose credit/debit card provides cardholders with the convenience, credit/debit advantages, brand loyalty, and goodwill commonly associated with a retail card, which may be directly linked to a merchant or retailer, with the credit/debit advantages and international acceptability of a credit line based on a general purpose credit network, such VISA® or MasterCard® or the like, or a debit account. In addition, in one variation, the credit/debit card provides a regularly published statement for each of the credit/debit providers, or alternatively, the statements are consolidated into one regularly issued (e.g., monthly) statement. Another advantage to the multipurpose credit/debit card of the present invention is that each credit line or debit restriction on the card may be independent of the others. Thus, adverse events with respect to each credit line or debit account do not affect the other credit lines or debit accounts. A further advantage of the method and system of the present invention is that the credit/debit providers that issue the linked credit/debit accounts on the single credit/debit card may enter into a profit sharing agreement with each other.

The present invention contains features that address the following areas, among others: 1) processing of a single multipurpose application by multiple access device providers, acting in cooperation with each other; 2) upon approval of the multipurpose application, issuing a common access device linking multiple accounts of the approving access device providers; and 3) joining the incentive and/or rewards programs associated with each access device provider in a single incentive and/or rewards program linked with the common access device (e.g., regardless of location used).

Example embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the appended figures.

Integrated Solution for Credit/Debit Application and Approval

The present invention may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward one or more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. An example of such a computer system 200 is shown in FIG. 1.

Computer system 200 includes one or more processors, such as processor 204. The processor 204 is connected to a communication infrastructure 206 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Various software embodiments are described in terms of this exemplary computer system. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant arts how to implement the invention using other computer systems and/or architectures, after reading the description contained herein.

Computer system 200 can include a display interface 202 that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 206 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on the display unit 230. Computer system 200 also includes a main memory 208, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 210. The secondary memory 210 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 212 and/or a removable storage drive 214, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive 214 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 218 in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit 218, represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and written to removable storage drive 214. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 218 includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 210 may include other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 200. Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit 222 and an interface 220. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 222 and interfaces 220, which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 222 to computer system 200.

Computer system 200 may also include a communications interface 224. Communications interface 224 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 200 and external devices. Examples of communications interface 224 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface 224 are in the form of signals 228, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 224. These signals 228 are provided to communications interface 224 via a communications path (e.g., channel) 226. This path 226 carries signals 228 and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency (RF) link and/or other communications channels. The terms “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used herein to refer generally to media such as a removable storage drive 214, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 212, and signals 228. These computer program products provide software to the computer system 200. The invention is directed to such computer program products.

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in main memory 208 and/or secondary memory 210. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface 224. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 200 to perform the features of the present invention, as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 204 to perform the features of the present invention. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system 200.

In an embodiment where the invention is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system 200 using removable storage drive 214, hard drive 212, or communications interface 224. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor 204, causes the processor 204 to perform the functions of the invention as described herein. In another embodiment, the invention is implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

In yet another embodiment, the invention is implemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

As shown in FIG. 2, the system of an embodiment of the present invention for applying for and obtaining credit/debit operates, for example, via a network 44. A user 40, such as an applicant for credit/debit or an application processor inputs information, via a terminal 41, such as a personal computer (PC), minicomputer, mainframe computer, microcomputer, telephone device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other device having a processor and input capability. Application processing or network access may originate from domestic or international locations.

As further shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the terminal 41 is coupled to a server 43, such as a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer, microcomputer, or other device having a processor and a repository for data or connection to a repository for maintained data, via a network 44, such as the Internet, via couplings 45, 46, such as wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. Processing of the application, for example, occurs via the server 43.

Access Device Application and Approval

As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the system and method of the present invention initiate functionality with an applicant's completion of an application for the multipurpose credit/debit card 300. The application may be completed, for example, in person at the point of sale, via telephone, or via a network, such as the World Wide Web or Internet. The applicant's information (e.g., contained in a completed application) is forwarded via telephone or via a network, as described above, for analysis via a processing mechanism 302 (interchangeably referred to herein as the “pull bureau”). In one variation, the pull bureau initially assesses the application for basic requirements, such as applicant contact information. Each credit/debit provider may have a unique qualification process, marked by specific criteria to assess the basic requirements. Provided the application contains the elements required to process the application (i.e., the basic requirements are met) the pull bureau routes the processing of the application to the next step 304 with multiple underwriting tiers or qualification process centers 306, 308 and 310, for assessment per credit/debit qualification processes or guidelines set forth by each credit/debit provider. In another variation, there is no basic assessment, and the pull bureau proceeds to the next step 304 upon receiving any information from the applicant.

The application may be simultaneously routed to multiple tiers 312, 314 and 316, each tier serving as the credit/debit assessment for each credit/debit provider, in one variation of the present invention. In another variation, the routing proceeds serially from a first tier 312 to a second tier 314, and so forth, as required.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the pull bureau forwards the application to the first tier 312. The first tier 312 assesses the application on predetermined approval guidelines (e.g., a credit qualification rating or score for the applicant) 306. A line of credit or a debit account issues for each approved credit/debit provider and is embodied in a common credit/debit card 318. The system issues a record of rejecting the application for each credit/debit provider whose approval guidelines have not been met 320. In one embodiment, the statement 320 may be issued as a joint record for all credit/debit providers rejecting the application.

In one variation of the present invention, if a first credit/debit provider assessing the application 306 rejects the application, the system generates a notification of the position taken by the first credit/debit provider and terminates the application. In another variation, the first credit/debit provider rejects the applicant, but the system still forwards the application to subsequent tiers.

The pull bureau analyzes the multipurpose application on a number of criteria. As described above, one variation of the present invention allows the system and method to ensure that the basic, required information is provided prior to assessing subsequent information. In another variation of the present invention, the application is assessed based on the information predetermined by the credit/debit provider or on whatever information is presented by the applicant (interchangeably referred to herein as the “customer”). The application may be used for any number of purposes, such as mortgages or loans. The pull bureau determines the purpose of the application (i.e., whether the application should be processed for credit, debit, or other services, such as mortgages). Thus, the pull bureau routes the application to specific providers, as necessary.

Once the fundamental applicant information is provided, one variation of the present invention runs additional assessments of the applicant (e.g., whether the applicant is living or deceased). For example, if deceased, the system rejects the applicant's file and discontinues further processing.

After issuance of a common credit/debit card linking all approved accounts, one embodiment of the present invention includes establishment of a profit sharing arrangement among the credit/debit providers, although in some instances these credit providers are otherwise unaffiliated with one another. Thus, in this embodiment, the credit/debit providers are entitled to revenues, generated from use, interest or surcharges, for example, associated with the credit/debit card. For example, any use of the general purpose credit/debit card on the VISA® network, may be processed by the VISA® credit provider (e.g., a bank or financial institution), and any revenues generated from that use may be shared with the other credit credit/debit providers on the card and, in particular, the non-VISA® network credit/debit providers (e.g., the retailer). In another example, interest charges accumulated by the credit credit/debit user by using the general purpose credit/debit card, such as a card linked to the MasterCard® network, are shared among each credit/debit provider (also including the retailer, if appropriate) associated with the approved credit/debit card, regardless of where or how the credit/debit card user uses the card or incurs charges. Thus, for example, interest paid by a user on purchases made through the VISA® network, for instance, are shared with non-VISA® credit providers on the card. In one variation of the invention, each credit/debit provider establishes its own interest rate that may be linked to where and how a purchase was made. A bank, for instance, may select a relatively low interest rate on all purchases made using the credit/debit card outside of the retail outlet, and thus, the revenue received through the relatively low interest rate is shared among the other credit/debit providers on the card.

The method and system of the present invention permit credit/debit providers to create data files concerning applicant information, which, in turn, are used by the credit/debit providers to establish the approved accounts on their processing systems. In one variation, the credit/debit providers have the ability to share the data files with each other. The data exchanged among credit/debit providers facilitates the consolidation of customer services, billing, and rewards, for example, offered by multiple credit/debit providers via a common credit/debit card.

A flow diagram of an exemplary method of processing completed credit applications, specific to an exemplary retailer 400, such as a department store, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, after the customer has completed the multipurpose application 402, the system considers whether the customer has opted-out of processing for a dual-purpose card 436. An exemplary business specification for a multipurpose application for a dual-purpose credit card is illustrated below in Table 1.

If the customer has opted out, the application is processed only with respect to the retailer's underwriting criteria 404, and, if approved 406, the customer is issued a single retail charge card 408. Example criteria used by the retailer to process the application 404 are illustrated in Table 2 below. If the processing of the application 406 has not been approved using the retailer's criteria in Table 1, the retailer sends a letter declining credit to the customer 438, signed by the retailer only.

In this embodiment, if the customer has not opted-out of processing for a dual-purpose card 436, the system considers whether the customer is approved for a retailer's account 412. If the customer is declined credit, the retailer sends an Adverse Action letter signed on its own behalf and as agent for the partner financial institution 414. Conversely, if the application is approved for a retailer account, the system proceeds to check the application against the partner financial institution's underwriting criteria 416. If the application is declined credit/debit under the partner financial institution's underwriting criteria 416, the retailer opens a proprietary account only 418, and the Credit Reporting Agency sends the partner financial institution application data/credit bureau data for reconciliation 420. If the application is approved credit/debit under the partner financial institution's underwriting criteria 416, the retailer opens a proprietary account, issues a temporary charge card with a proprietary account number and sends the partner financial institution the customer application and account data 422. At this point, the Credit Reporting Agency sends the partner financial Institution application data/credit bureau data for reconciliation and evaluation 424. The partner financial institution proceeds to consolidate the application and bureau data and makes a final approval decision 426.

If final approval by the partner financial institution is issued 428, the partner financial institution establishes a general-purpose account, sends out the dual-purpose credit/debit card, and notifies the retailer of the general purpose account number 432. The retailer then proceeds to create a cross-reference table of issued general purpose to proprietary account numbers, to facilitate authorization 434. If the partner financial institution declines credit/debit, the retailer sends out a proprietary charge card 430. An example of the Reporting requirements for each transaction is illustrated in Table 3 below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, if an account is being upgraded from a proprietary to a dual-purpose account, the exemplary retailer does not establish a new account. Instead, the partner financial institution's account and the preexisting proprietary account are linked, if the applicant meets the partner financial institution's underwriting criteria. In this case, the pre-existing proprietary account is updated with the higher of the preexisting credit/debit limit or the new credit/debit limit returned by the partner financial institution's underwriting criteria. It should be noted that applications may be “pended” (i.e., neither approved nor declined) by the retailer (e.g., for up to 30 days) prior to making the final decision. In these cases, the partner financial institution is informed of the pending status of the application and of the final decision, when made. Process flow continues as normal after the final decision is made.

An exemplary retail credit agreement, for use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C. FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an exemplary credit card term sheet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A sample credit application, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, is shown in FIG. 7.

Example embodiments of the present invention have now been described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of the invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the descriptions contained herein. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

TABLE 1 Customer Information Group Member Number Code Group Description Member Description Security (3 characters) (40 character max) Number (30 character max) Digits 000 PARTNER BANK Test Numeric Search Test Numeric 000 PARTNER BANK Test Alpha Abbreviated Test Full/Alpha 000 PARTNER BANK Production Numeric Numeric Search Search 000 PARTNER BANK Production Full/Alpha Full/Alpha Search Search Product Profile DECISON CAT TABLE DIAL/IDNT SEGMENT MATRIX X Safescan     24 Month Payment History     Standard     Beacon 96 X Return M1 Only X Custom     Enhanced     Process Joint/Spousal Requests     None Beacon X Process Multiple Applicants     Enhanced DAS Other: ONDS DATA SOURCES INQUIRY BILLING X Models: X ACRO Type: X 2825 Pinnacle Exchange X Permissible     Back-end Billing 2.0     ONDL/I2000     Purpose Price: $ X Custom     ONLD/Check Services     Prescreen Billing Codes: Models:     Credit Bureau Posting: 2076 Marketing X Normal Exemplary     Experian X Back-end - Retailer's     Trans Union post hard 1923 Net     CFC inquiry using Worth     Riskwise/BTE PARTNER 1838 Retail     Other: BANK Usage     member Predictor number OTHER PROCESSING Smartletter     Account Number Generation     Other Letter Processing     Address Variance     Address Standardization     Check Systems     Zip Code Tables     Other     OFAC Alert e-mail addresses: (minimum of 2 required) Access Details Communication Protocol: X LU6.2     LU2     TCP/IP     Dial-Up/Async     Other: Input Format: X Fixed DIAL/IDNT     Variable DIAL/IDNT     Variable DIAL/Fixed IDNT     Custom: MD Segment(s):     Transmitted by Customer X Appended by Scoring Model     Not needed AutoPilot: X AutoPilot If yes, CAM TBD     Used Name is:                Not used Output Format: X FFF/HMR     Reformatted Readable/Printable X Custom - MM segment     Other Third Party Processor or Software: X No     Yes  If Yes,   Vendor:              Software   Name:              Version:           

TABLE 2 Decision Matrix SPECIAL CONDITIONS CONDITION DECISION Hit/No Hit Indicator = 2, Credit Limit = $250, set Custom No Hit Flag to “Y” otherwise “N” A, B If Custom No Hit Flag is set to “Y” and Applicant's age <40, then return Credit Limit = 00000 and Reason Code 1 = 090. Set Custom No Hit Flag to “Y” otherwise “N” Credit Limit = 00000 Hit/No Hit Indicator = 3, Clear Reason Codes 1-4 4, 5, 7, 8 Set Reason code 1 = “97” otherwise “N” Set custom No Hit Flag to “Y” otherwise “N” Set Consumer Statement Flag = “Y” If age >39 then process normally. If Custom No Hit Flag is set to “Y” and Applicant's age <40, Hit/No Hit Indicator = 6 then return Credit Limit = 00000 and Reason Code 1 = 090. Fraud Victim Fraud Victim Indicator set in Header Credit Limit = 00000 Clear Reason Codes 1-4 Set Reason code 1 = “96” AKA Set verify flag to “Y” if approved No Score: Credit Limit = 00000 Pinnacle Reject Codes X7, Pinnacle Score = Pinnacle Reject Code P6, P1 Clear Reason Codes 1-4 Set Reason code 1 = “96” No Score: Credit Limit = $250, Custom No Hit Flag = “Y” Pinnacle Reject codes P2, Pinnacle Score = Pinnacle Reject Code P3, P4, P5 If Custom No Hit Flag = Y and applicant's age <40 (using DOB from IDNT segment), then set Credit Limit = 0000 and Reason Code 1 = 090. Safescan Warning and Results Output input SSN does not = 111111111 Full Verify flag “Y” (Approves only) for A, B, I, M Reason Codes 1-4 Clear (Approves only) (1) Reason Code 1 96 (Approves only) Safescan = C, D, E, F, G, H, J, Results Output K, P, U, Y, Z, 2, 3 (1) Full Verify flag “Y” (Approves only) Reason Codes 1-4 Clear (Approves only) Reason Code 1 96 (Approves only) SCORED TRANSACTIONS Step 1 - Use the Pinnacle Score to determine the Credit Limit Calculation Number to use. Pinnacle Score Low High Decision XX XX Credit Limit = 00000 XX XX Calculate Credit Limit using Calculation #3 XX XX Calculate Credit Limit using Calculation #2 XX XX Calculate Credit Limit using Calculation #1 Step 2 - Use the Usage Predictor Score and Pinnacle Score to determine the Base Limit. Usage Predictor Score Pinnacle Score Base Limit 000-500 620-699 501-580 620-699 581-779 620-699 780-819 620-699 820-859 620-699 860-899 620-699 900+ 620-699 000-500  700-1000 501-580  700-1000 581-779  700-1000 780-819  700-1000 820-859  700-1000 860-899  700-1000 900+  700-1000 Step 3 - Use the Credit Limit Calculation Number from Step 1 and the Net Worth score to determine the multiplier and minimum/maximum limits. Calculate the credit limit by multiplying the base limit (from Step 2) by the base multiplier. Round up to the nearest 100. Net Worth Score Multiplier Calculation Minimum Limit Maximum Limit Report Text Credit Limit Calculation #1  0-150  50% Base Limit * .5 151-420 100% Base Limit * 1 421-760 200% Base Limit * 2  761-1190 300% Base Limit * 3 1191-9999 400% Base Limit * 4 Credit Limit Calculation #2  0-150  25% Base Limit * .25 151-420  50% Base Limit * .5 421-760 100% Base Limit * 1  761-1190 150% Base Limit * 1.5 1191-9999 200% Base Limit * 2 Credit Limit Calculation #3  0-150  25% Base Limit * .25 151-420  50% Base Limit * .5  421-9999 100% Base Limit * 1 Special Instructions On Joint applicants, the exemplary retailer will send two IDNT segments with one DIAL segment. They will always use the Inquiry Type “I”; therefore we will have to look for multiple IDNT segments. The M1 file is used in all cases. For joint inquiries, NextGen returns the better of the two decisions with the name/address information for that file only. The credit file information for the other applicant is not returned. If both decisions are “0”, the M1 file for the primary applicant is returned. *A pass will be any credit limit. The Hit/No Hit Designator will determine the amount of the limit ($250 or $0000). If a no hit is encountered. *All Verify Flags should be set to “N” if not set to “Y”. The credit limit should be calculated in all cases unless otherwise noted, even if a Full Verify Flag, Address Variance, etc. is present. (1) Hit/No Hit Codes 1 = Hit 2 = No Hit 3 = Manual File 4 = Manual Consumer Narrative 5 = Referred Code 6 = Hit and Automated Consumer Narrative 7 = Reserved 8 = Reserved 9 = Reserved A = Consumer requested security freeze on credit file - Report Unavailable B = Report Unavailable - access number provided does not match consumer's file (2) T = ID Theft Victim - Information blocked due to police or DMV report. V = Consumer is a Victim of Fraudulent Activity.

TABLE 3 Reporting Requirements Daily Transaction Detail Report: The daily comma delimited report will contain the following data items: Transaction Date Transaction Number (internal Processing Platform tracking number) Customer Reference (Exemplary retailer unique identifier) Last Name First Name SSN PARTNER BANK Approval Flag (Y/N) Exemplary Retailer Credit Limit (00000 if decline) Pinnacle Score Reason Code 1 Reason Code 2 Reason Code 3 Reason Code 4 Safescan Code Bankruptcies (01 = failed, blank = passed) Current Status (02 = failed, blank = passed) Previous High Rates (03 = failed, blank = passed) Customer's Own Tradelines (04 = failed, blank = passed) Customer's Own Inquiries (05 = failed, blank = passed) Regular Online Inquiries (06 = failed, blank = passed) Minimum Trades to qualify (07 = failed, blank = passed) Valid SSN (08 = failed, blank = passed) Address (09 = failed, blank = passed) Aggregate Revolving Balance (10 = failed, blank = passed) Number of Bankcards (11 = failed, blank = passed) Aggregate Unpaid Public Records (12 = failed, blank = passed) Management Report: Format: Custom Naming Convention MONYYUD3.RPT (8.3): Delivery FTS Directory: ud30001 Method: Frequency: Monthly CRA Processing Platform Monthly Summary Report [DATE] [TIME] to [DATE] [TIME] Customer name: (UD3DPW) [EXEMPLARY RETAILER] Application name: (BCVFNB) SYSTEM TO SYSTEM Total Transactions 29571 Minus validation/inquiry errors 0 (0.00% of total) Minus processing errors 16 (0.05% of total) Minus no-hits 4450 (15.05% of total) Total hits 25105 (84.90% of total) SAFESCAN WARNINGS Total A B C D E F G H I J K M N P U Y Z 0 2 3 1823 962 0 203 0 5 4 8 15 118 43 6 417 0 3 0 1 34 0 2 2 PINNACLE SCORE DISTRIBUTION Total 0-599 600-609 610-619 620-629 630-639 640-649 650-659 660-669 670-679 23324 210 1102 1936 3151 305 1598 703 4129 10190 Total 680-689 690-699 700-709 710-719 720-729 730-739 740-749 750-799 800+ 23324 1200 1201 1555 101 110 105 203 115 500 PINNACLE REJECT CODE DISTRIBUTION Total P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 X7 1781 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 USAGE SCORE DISTRIBUTION Total 0-500 501-580 581-779 780-819 820-859 860-899 900-99999 25105 21292 2079 1591 70 53 18 2 NET WORTH SCORE DISTRIBUTION Total 0-150 151-420 421-760 761-1190 1191-99999 25105 5144 4616 3141 3450 8754 Files with: Accounts On Us Flag 6039 Inquiry On Us Flag 2646 Custom No Hit Flag 1778 Full Verify Flags 914 Consumer State. Flag 59 Address Variance Flag 25104 TOTAL FLAGS 36540 SafeScan Warnings 1823 PARTNER BANK Approvals 1234 Offer Summary: 0-659 660-699 700-749 750-799 800+ Total Credit Limit $250 1754 0 0 0 0 1754 8.41% Credit Limit $300 1364 1112 0 0 0 2476 11.87%  Credit Limit $400 3 0 0 0 0 3 0.01% Credit Limit $500 358 94 110 15 0 577 2.77% Credit Limit $600 4 1 0 0 0 5 0.02% Credit Limit $700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $800 3 2 0 0 0 5 0.02% Credit Limit $900 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $1000 293 671 862 385 9 2220 10.64%  Credit Limit $1100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $1200 4 1 1 0 0 6 0.03% Credit Limit $1300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $1400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $1500 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.00% Credit Limit $1600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $1700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $1800 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $1900 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $2000 114 396 832 890 86 2318 11.11%  Credit Limit $2100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $2200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $2300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $2400 0 0 1 0 0 1 0.00% Credit Limit $2500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $2600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $2700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $2800 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $2900 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $3000 75 326 956 1485 376 3218 15.43%  Credit Limit $3100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $3200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $3300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $3400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $3500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $3600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $3700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $3800 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $3900 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $4000 0 0 1352 4511 2414 8277 39.68%  Credit Limit $4100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $4200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $4300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $4400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $4500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $4600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $4700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Credit Limit $4800 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% TOTALS: 3973 2603 4114 7286 2885 20861 

1. A method of providing an access device, the method comprising: receiving, at a qualification process center, contemporaneous approval guidelines for approving access device accounts under qualification processes established by at least two access device providers acting in cooperation with each other; contemporaneously processing a completed multipurpose access device application under the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers; and upon a positive result of the processing of the completed multipurpose access device application under the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers, establishing linked access device accounts for the at least two access device providers.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: upon a positive result of the processing under the qualification process established by a first one of the at least two access device providers and a negative result of the processing under the qualification process established by a second one of the at least two access device providers, establishing an account for the first one of the at least two access device providers.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising issuing a common access device for the linked accounts.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the access device comprises a card.
 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: establishing a joint incentive program for the common access device, and linking the incentive programs of the at least two access device providers.
 6. The method of claim 3, further comprising: establishing a joint rewards program for the common access device, and linking the rewards programs of the at least two access device providers.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the access device is a credit card or a debit card.
 8. The computer program product of claim 6, wherein the access device is a credit card or a debit card.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing profit sharing for the at least two access device providers.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sharing data files among the at least two access device providers.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: issuing a consolidated statement for the linked accounts.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the linked accounts are established for an applicant or applicants.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the approval guidelines include rejection guidelines.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the qualification process center is a pull bureau.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the contemporaneous processing is performed sequentially for each one of the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the contemporaneous processing is performed in parallel for each one of the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers.
 17. A system for electronically facilitating issuing an access device, the system comprising: means for receiving, at a qualification process center, contemporaneous approval guidelines for approving access device accounts under qualification processes established by at least two access device providers acting in cooperation with each other; means for contemporaneously processing a completed multipurpose access device application under the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers; and means for establishing linked accounts for the at least two access device providers, upon a positive result of the processing of the completed multipurpose access device application under the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers.
 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising: means for establishing an access device account for a first one of the at least two access device providers, upon a positive result of the processing under the qualification process established by the first one of the at least two access device providers and a negative result of the processing under the qualification process established by a second one of the at least two access device providers.
 19. The system of claim 17, further comprising: means for issuing a common access device for the linked accounts.
 20. The system of claim 19, further comprising: means for establishing a joint incentive program for the common access device; and means for linking the incentive programs of the at least two access device providers.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the access device is a credit card or a debit card.
 22. The system of claim 19, further comprising: means for establishing a joint rewards program for the common access device; and means for linking the rewards programs of the at least two access device providers.
 23. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein the access device is a credit card or a debit card.
 24. The system of claim 17, wherein the qualification process center is a pull bureau.
 25. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for contemporaneously processing perform the processing sequentially for each one of the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers.
 26. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for contemporaneously processing perform the processing in parallel for each one of the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers.
 27. A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having control logic stored thereon for causing a computer to provide interactive assistance with performing issuing an access device, the control logic comprising: first computer readable program code means for receiving, at a qualification process center, contemporaneous approval guidelines for approving access device accounts under qualification processes established by at least two access device providers acting in cooperation with each other; second computer readable program code means for contemporaneously processing a completed multipurpose access device application under the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers; and third computer readable program code means for establishing linked accounts for the at least two access device providers, upon a positive result of the processing of the completed multipurpose access device application under the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers.
 28. The computer program product of claim 27, further comprising: third computer readable program code means for establishing an account for a first one of the at least two access device providers, upon a positive result of the processing under the qualification process established by a first one of the at least two access device providers and a negative result of the processing under the qualification process established by a second one of the at least two access device providers.
 29. The computer program product of claim 27, further comprising: fourth computer readable program code means for issuing a common access device for the linked accounts.
 30. The computer program product of claim 29, further comprising: fifth computer readable program code means for establishing a joint incentive program for the common access device, and sixth computer readable program code means for linking the incentive programs of the at least two access device providers.
 31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the access device is a credit card or a debit card.
 32. The computer program product of claim 29, further comprising: fifth computer readable program code means for establishing a joint rewards program for the common access device, and sixth computer readable program code means for linking the rewards programs of the at least two access device providers.
 33. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the access device is a credit card or a debit card.
 34. A system for electronically facilitating issuing an access device, the system comprising: a pull bureau for receiving contemporaneous approval guidelines for approving access device accounts under qualification processes established by at least two access device providers acting in cooperation with each other and for processing a completed multipurpose access device application under qualification processes established by at least two access device providers; at least one repository for storing the completed multipurpose access device application and the qualification processes established by at least two access device providers; and at least one processor for processing requests from a user for performing operations on the stored completed multipurpose access device application and the qualification processes established by at least two access device providers, wherein the stored completed multipurpose access device application is contemporaneously compared against the qualification processes established by at least two access device providers.
 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the processor is housed on a terminal.
 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the terminal is selected from a group consisting of a personal computer, a minicomputer, a microcomputer, and a hand-held device.
 37. The system of claim 34, wherein the processor is housed on a server.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the server is selected from a group consisting of a personal computer, a minicomputer, a microcomputer, and a hand-held device.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the server is coupled to a network.
 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the requests are received via the network.
 41. The system of claim 39, wherein the network is the Internet.
 42. The system of claim 39, wherein the server is coupled to the network via a coupling.
 43. The system of claim 42, wherein the coupling is selected from a group consisting of a wired connection, a wireless connection, and a fiberoptic connection.
 44. The system of claim 34, wherein the contemporaneous comparison is performed sequentially for each one of the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers.
 45. The system of claim 34, wherein the contemporaneous comparison is performed in parallel for each one of the qualification processes established by the at least two access device providers. 